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AN OLD TIME 
COURTSHIP 




A COMEDY IN 
THREE ACTS 



Written by 

GRACE G. WATKINS 

KRESS. VIRGINIA 
July. 1911 

rOPYRIOHTED 1912 BY GRACE O. V. ATKINS 
KKESd, VIKOINIA 



SCiD ^8486 



A COMEDY IN THREE ACTS 



CHARACTERS. 



Mrs. Hawthorne an impecunious widow. 

Belle Hawthorne her daughter. 

Nancy the maid or cook. 

Joe the House boy. 

Mr. John Graham a rich widower. 

Harry Brown a young dentist (doctor) 

COSTUMES. 

Mrs. H. Matron's dress of 1860— black 

Belle, fashionable dress of some time. 

Nancy, servant's dress 

Joe, same though neat 

Mr. Graham, elaborately dressed 

Harry, plain, neat suit of 1860 

Time of playing — One hour and fifteen minutes 



ACT I. 

SCENE. Mrs. Hawthorne's sitting room. Mrs. H. seated at writing 
desk with writing materials, letters and cards scattered about. Fur- 
niture once good, but shows the use of many years. Room scrupulously 
clean. 

Mrs. H. — (Folding and sealing letter). There, that much is done. 
I do hope Belle will be sensible, and do as I so much wish, (writes). 
"Mrs. John Graham, of Graham House," How nice that looks! If 
that young Brown does come, I'll settle him. 

Enter Belle. 

Belle — iWbll, Mamma, have you finished your letters? I hope you did 
not forget Mr. Brown? 

Mrs. H. — (Sternly). No, Belle, I could not overlook him, as he 
and Mr. Graham are such close friends, that I am obliged to invite 
him, if I do Mr. Graham. But my dear; Mr. Brown is not one I should 
like my daughter to marry. I wish you to be very agreeable to Mr. 
Graham, for you know we are not as we were when your dear father 
was with us. Belle, (very impressively) Mr. Graham is wealthy! 

Belle — (aside) Yes, and as ugly as a mud fence, (aloud) Yes, 
Mamma. 

Mrs. H. — lAnd Belle, you must remember your poor mother could 
not endure poverty! 

Belle. — iWell, Mamma, don't lets talk any more about that now. 
Here comes Nancy with your tea, I've had mine, so tra-la. (exit) I 
am going. 

Enter Nancy WitJi Tray. 

Nancy — ;( bowing and placing tray on small table near Mrs. H.) 
I hope you feels better dis monm' nlistis. 

Mrs. H. — (seating herself at table) Yes, Nancy, I feel very much 
better. Where is Joe? 

Nancy — 'Lor' Mistis, I can't keep up wid dat nigger; I reckon he's 
in de kitchen now as it's 'bout eatin' time. 

Mrs. H. — "WIell, Nancy; give me that shawl over there, and go and 
tell Joe to come here as soon as he eats his breakfast. 

Nancy — Ya'sm. (exit.) 

Mrs. H. — 'Now I moist try to make Mr. Graham's visit as pleasant 
as I can. He can't help admiring Belle, she is so fresh and young; so 
different from girls in general. 

Enter Joe. 

J. — (Bowing). Top of de morning, Mistis, (fretfully) Mistis, 
Nancy do fret de life out ob me. She jes' kep arter me 'til I had to 
leave before I eat half enough ; de breakfast was awful good. Dat's one 
thing Nancy kin do, she kin cook! 

Mrs. H. — Well, Joe; Nancy only wants you to attend to your 
business, and not stop in the kitchen too long. 

Joe — (aside). Stay in de kitchen too long! gosh! I'd like to stay 
in dar all de time, if Nancy was in dar too. (Aloud) Ya'sm, Mistis. 

Mrs. H. — Now, Joe; take these leters to the Post Office first thing 
this morning, and come back by the store and bring these things on 
this memorandum, 



J. — (Hesitates). On dis memm-er-an-der? Ya'sm, but how is I 
gwine to know what to ask for? 

Mrs. H.-~Yon just give this paper to Mr. Smith and he will give 
you the right things. 

/.—Ya'sm. Must I ride Snowflake or Dexter? 

Mrs. H. — Better take Dexter, he has not been used much lately, 
and don't you go off to see any of those girls at Mr. Hampton's quarters, 
but come right back, for I want you. 

/. — -All right, Mistis. (Aside) Dem is mighty sweet gals over dar, 
but I reckon if I wants Nancy, I better do like Mistis say, kase Nancy 
is mighty notionable. 

{Exit.) ' 

Mrs. H. — (Finishes breakfast, rings for Nancy). I wish Harry 
Brown was at the South Pole, or anywhere else but in this country. 
I don't see why Mr. Graham allows him to go with him everywhere; 
I'm sure. 

Enter Nancy, exit Mrs. H. after giving Nancy some instructions 
about dinner.) 

Nancy — My! Mistis is heap better! Well, dat nice Mr. Brown 
won't stand no chance here, if Mistis kin git everything her way. 
Mis' Belle ain't studin' 'bout dat ole rich man, / kno, Mistis better git 
him herself, if she kin! Den, I specks 'twould be all right »bout Marse 
Harry; but lor' if I don't 'halve myself, I'll be gittin' a blessin' I'm 
feard. 

(Enter Joe, Hurriedly). 

Joe — Nancy, whar's my whip? (Looks around). I'se in a mighty 
big hurry, kase Mistis wants me to go to the Pos-offis right away; 
whar is it? 

Nancy — You is de bigges' fool I eber see'd, Joe Jones. Dar's your 
whip stickin' in your coat pockit! 

Joe — Go long, Nancy, don't you see huc-cum I come froo here? Well, 
I jes» had to git one more glance at dem purty eyes ob you's (goes 
near her and tries to look in her face.) 

Nancy — Go on way f'om here, Joe Jones, and 'tend to yore busi- 
ness. I ain't studin' 'bout you. 

Joe — (going out). Well, I'se comin' back jes' as quick as I kin. 
(Exit.) 

Nancy — (Musing). If dat ai'nt de pertest nigger in dis world! 
My! but he is mighty harn'-some! He needn't come foolin' me, jes' 
the same. 

Enter Belle. 

B. — ^Nancy you are very slow with your work this morning. You 
should have been back to the kitchen before now. Have you seen 
.)oe? 

A\ — ^( Confused). He — I — Mistis sent him to de pos-offis, I belieb. 

B. — Well, that's all right (aside) I reckon Mamma sent those 
letters, and one was for Mr. Graham. Well, he is not as handsome 
as Harry, and I don't like him anyway. (To Nancy) Where Is 
Mamma? 

N. — She done gone for her drive Mis Belle. 

B. — Well, you can go now, and don't you let any body through 
the front door this morning, just say, "not at home." 

A^.— Ya'sm, Mis Belle. (Exit.) 



B. — I hope Mamlma will take a nice long drive this morning, I 
know it will do her lots of good. (Looks out of the window) I wonder 
who that is? Well, Nancy will attend to him? 

Enter Nancy Hurriedly. 

N. — Mis' Belle, dar's a man comin' in froo de window! I wouldn't 
let him in de door, but I reckon maybe you wouldn't object to him 
comin' in de window. (Exit Nancy.) 

Enter Harry Brown Through the Window. 

B. — (Why Harry, aren't you early? I did not suppose you had your 
breakfast yet! . 

H. — Coming in, placing chair for her, which she accepts and then 
seats himself. Oh, I've been up a long time, and as I saw your mother's 
carriage near the village, just thought I would drop in and have a 
little chat before she gets back. 

B. — Do you know, Mamma is going to give a little reception and 
she has actually invited Mr. Harry Brown! What do you think of 
that? 

H. — Well, that young man will certainly avail himself of the op- 
portunity. But really Belle, what made her do it, do you suppose? 

B. — Oh, you see she wants that rich Mr. Graham to come also, and 
she couldn't have him without you, see? 

H. — Oh, well; so much the better. I'll get him to entertain 
your mother, and she will be so occupied with him, that she won't 
notice us. 

B. — ^I am not so sure about that, Harry, she wants me to engross 
Mr. Graham's attention you know. 

H. — (Aside). Well, I'll see that she doesn't, or my name is not 
Harry Brown. (To her) Oh, never mind that now. Belle, we are 
wasting our valuable time. When will you consent for me to ask 
your mother for your hand? 

B. — Oh, Harry don't say anything to her about it yet, for I feel 
sure she will never give her consent, and : 

H. — (Breaking in). But, Belle; you know I shall have to leave 
next month for my new field. There's no chance for a young doctor 
here. 

B. — Why, Harry; you are not a doctor you are a dentist! 

H. — It's all the same. I can't stay here, and Belle, when I leave, 
I must take you with me. 

B. — ^You know, Harry, that I would go anywhere with you, only 
please don't say anything to Mamma yet. You know how vexed she 
will be with me, and you too, and I just could not bear all that! 

H. — Well, I'll tell you what we can do. We'll keep quiet till after 
the reception, and when we tell her, and if she refuses to listen, 
why there is only one thing for us to do. 

B. — ^Well — I — reckon that will be all we can do. (Looks out of 
window) I see Mama's carriage. .My! how the time has flown. 

jff.— (Rising). Good bye, Belle, (they shake hands) till Thursday 
night. 

B. — ^Good bye, Harry, hurry! 

(Exit Harry.) 
Enter Nancy Quickly. 
N. — Miss Belle, I see Mistis comin' whar is Marse Harry? 



B. — Oil, do linsli. Nancy, and go help Mamma olf with her things, 
I am busy with my book, do you hear? 

K. — Ya'sm Mis Belle, I hear. (Aside) Dats a mihty oncommon 
interestin' book. Wonder liuccum I ain't seed dat book before? 
Well, 1 reckon 'twas on de table all de time. (Exit). 

End of Act I. — Curtain. 



ACT II. 

SCENE — Mrs. H.'s parlor. Nancy and Joe busy arranging chairs. 



etc. 



N. — Git away from here, Joe; you don't know how to fix nothing; 
now jes' look at dat cheer, whoever see'd such a way to fix things? 
Ain't you never gw^ine to learn? 

J. — ■Now% Nancy, you stop fussin' at me. How kin I learn to 
set cheers in a room when I ain't even lookin' at em? 

j\\ — M^'hat in de Jeemeses River is you lookin' at den? 

/. — You jes' look at me, and you will perskiver de objec' of my 
visium perflected in my opticks. 

N. — '(Aside). My, ain't he smart! (Aloud) Yas; Joe, I see. 
Now j'-ou jes' set right down in dis cheer right here, and keep a lookin' 
till I gits dis room fit to perceive company in, » (puts everything in 
order while Joe looks on). Mis' Belle, gwine to look awful fine to- 
night, and I bet 'twill be "blackjack 'against thunder" twixt dem 
young men, which one we be a head. (While she is talking, Joe is 
wriggling and half falling off the chair, and begins to sing just as 
she stops) . 

Joe — (Singing). "Oh! me, I don't know what to do; "der's 
gwnne to be a hot time in the ole town tonight." 

N. — Look here, Joe Jones, is you been drinkin' agin? I'll bet 
you come by Marse Hampton's de Oder day, and got dem gals to give 
you some cider or something. Ain't you heard Mistis say dat "strong 
wine is raging and drink is a mocker, and him dat gits kotcli dat way 
is a fool? 

/. — (Standing up). No, Nancy, I ain't been drinking; I'se done 
signed de pledge, and if I hadn't, I couldn't drink in no peace, wid you 
and mistis all time arter me about it. 

N. — Well, Joe, dats right. I always did say mistis was right not 
to have any likker in her house on de side-bode. De good book says 
"tich not, handle not, tas' not," en I says smell not, too. I reckon 
Moses forgot dat. 

•/.—Come on Nance, we orter done gone back to de kitchen befor 
now. (Aside) Nancy would make a fust class housekeeper, don't 
you think so? (To audience). (Exit N. and J.) 

Enter Mrs. H. 

Mrs. H. — 'Now everything is ready. I hope they will all come, 
and that Belle will look her best tonight. I think Mr. Graham is 
a little particular, but as Belle is so young, he will overlook anything 
amiss in her. (Seats herself after re-arranging a few articles). I 
do hope too, that they will be on time, for I don't like to be kept 
waiting. (Ring heard). AJi, there's someone now! 



Enter Nancy Folloioed by Mr. John Graham. 

N. — (Staccato). Marse Graham, Mistis. (Exit). 

Mrs. H. — Oh, Mr. Graham, I am delighted to see you. So glad 
you did not disappoint me. 

Mr. G. — Thank you, Mrs. Hawtliorne, I am charmed to be here. 
My friend, Mr. Field, wished me to hand you this card with his re- 
grets. (Hands her a card). He had an important business matter 
to attend to, and could not possibly come. 

Mrs. H. — 'Oh, I'm real sorry. But pray excuse me, take a seat. 
(Seats herself). 

WIr. G. — Thanks. (Seats himself). I hope you are well. I have 
wanted to come over before now, but business has detained me. 
It has been quite an age, to me, since I had the extreme pleasure 
of being with you, but my enjoyment will be enhanced by the lapse 
of time. 

Mrs. H. — I am sure I am very pleased to have you, and Belle will 
be down in a few minutes. 

Mr. G. — My dear Mrs. Hawthorne, if I should be so fortunate as 
to find favor in your estimation, might I hope to 

Mrs. H. — ^I yes Mr. Graham, will you please excuse 

me? and I will see what keeps Belle. (Ring heard). Oh, there's 
Mr. Brown, I suppose. 

Enters Nancy and Brown. 

N. — ^Mistis, here's Marse Harry! 

(Exit). 

Mr. Brown — (Entering). Good evening, Mrs. Hawthorne, how 
are you? Pleased to see you looking so well. How do you do, Mr. 
John? (They shake hands). (He hands her a card, and gives an 
excuse for his friend). 

Mrs. H — Thank you, how are you? Pray be seated and please 
excuse me a moment. (Exit). 

Mr. G. — Hello! Harry, the wind has turned in your direction, 
hasn't it? Mrs. H. seems a little more gracious to you I notice. 

H — Oh! no, I am afraid I am not as lucky as that; I think she 
v/ould like you to be in my place. 

Mr. G. — Me? Oh, pshaw, you must be mistaken about that (enter 
Belle followed by Mrs. H.) Greetings around, all seat themselves, 
(Mrs. H. near Harry, Belle near Graham). 

Mrs. H. — ^Belle, show Mr. G. your latest paintings; (to Mr. G.). 
She is quite accomplished in that line, Mr. Graham, and I am sure you 
v/ill like her pictures (to Harry) Mr. Brown, when do you expect to 
leave us? I hear that you are going out w^st? 

H — 'Really, I don't know when I shall leave, but I have decided 
that l" shall do better in the west, and as soon as I can settle a few 
matters of importance to me, I shall start. 

Mrs. H. — ^We shall indeed, be sorry to lose you — (Enter Nancy in 
a Hurry). 

N. — 'Sense me, Mistis, (bows) dar's a man out here wants to 
speak to you, please marm. 

(Exit Mrs. H. and Nancy.) 

H. — ^My stars! The old lady was just about to say something 
awful sweet, for her. (Aloud) May I sit here? (Advances near th© 
others) . 

B. — 'Certainly, Mr. Brown, we have no objection. Mr. Graham 



has just been telling me of his travels out west, and you should have 
heard him, as you are so soon to go there. 

Mr G. — Harry! I did not know this, why haven't you told me? 

J?.— ';WeIl, Mr. John, I didn't like to tell you till I had to. 

Mr. G. — All right, .we will talk this over later. Miss Belle, your 
mother is a remarkably young looking woman, for her years. I re- 
member when I was young, how much I admired her then, though 
she was scarcely grown, and it seems but yesterday I saw her in her 
bridal array. Oh, time, you speed away too fast on your wings of 
flight! 

B. — Yes, Mr. Graham, Mamma is young, young in heart and soul, 
and she is the best Mamma in the world. 

Enter Mrs. H. 

Mrs. H. — (The men rise). Pray be seated. Mr Brown will you 
close that door? My neuralgia is quite sensitive to a draught. We 
were discussing (glances toward Mr. G. and B.) your leaving. I was 
saying how sorry we shall be to lose you. But young men can do so 
much better away from home these days. You remember, "a prophet," 
etc.? 

H. — Thank you, Mrs. Hawthorne, that is exactly my idea. I hope 
to succeed in my new field, and shall remember you here with great 
pleasure. 

Mrs. H — ^I am sure I wish you success and prosperity (Another 
glance at the others) in your undertaking. 

(At this place they all sing several selections, for the entertain- 
ment of each other, and Nancy passes around tea and cakes, after 
which the men rise to say good evening). 

Mr. G. — Mrs. Hawthorne, we have spent a most enjoyable evening. 
When shall I see you again? 

Mrs. H. — I shall be delighted to have you call anytime. Belle 
and I are great "stay-at-home" folks, and will be "at home*' whenever 
you call. 

Mr. G. — Thanks. (Belle and Harry are talking in an undertone 
during this dialogue). I will be pleased to call Saturday morning 
at eleven o'clock? 

Mrs. H. — Certainly, I shall expect you (They all rise and the 
men prepare- to depart. 

H. — ^( Aside to Belle) Look for me at 10 o'clock Saturday morn- 
ing, you hear? (To the others) This will be my last chance to see 
you Mrs. Hawthorne, so I must say good-bye. 

Mrs. H. — (Sweetly) Good-bye, Mr. Brown, I wish you joy and 
happiness in the far west! 

Mr. G. and H. — 'Good evening ladies. {Both hoiv and exit to- 
gether). 

Mrs. H — Belle, how did Mr. Graham like you? 

Belle — ^.(Laughing) Oh! Mamma how do you think I know? He 
surely did not say one way or the other. He talked mostly about 
you. 

Mrs. H. — About me? Oh, well, he thought that would please 
you. (aside) Anyway, that young Brown is out of the way. I 
think I can manage the rest, (to Belle) It is late. Belle, so we must 
retire. Good night, dear daughter. (Kisses her) 

B. — Good night. Mamma. 

{Exit Belle, then Mrs. H.) 
End of Act 2nd Curtain 



ACT III. 



SCENE — ^Mrs. H's parlor. Saturday morning. 
Mrs. Hawthorne preparing to take her morning drive. Rings for 
Nancy. 

Enter Nancy. 

Mrs. H —Wha,t in tlie world makes you so slow? Here I've been 
waiting nearly iifteen minutes for you. Now listen, Nancy, I am going 
out, but will be back at a quarter to eleven and I want to find every 
thing in order, for I expect Mr. Graham at eleven. You and Joe 
must hurry and clean up this room. 

N. — All right, Mistis, I'se gwine to. 

Enter Joe. 

Mrs. H. — -Joe, help Nancy with whatever she has to do, and both 
of you hurry. 

(Exit) 

J. — What's the matter, Nancy? Pears like Mistis is might flusti- 
cated >bout somethin! 

N. — ^ril just tell you, and den you'll know, if you'll listen. Marse 
Graham is comin' here dis morning; and Mistis wants everything to 
look awful nice, kase I recon she thinks he gwine to ask her for Mis' 
Belle. 

J. — Well, she needn't ter fool herself 'bout dat, kase, if I ain't on- 
common mistaken Marse Graham aint studin' 'bout Miss Belle. He's 
got sumthin pertiklar to talk to Mistis bout, my 'pinion. 

N. — Here, Joe set dis cheer over dar. When is you see'd Lize 
Jenkins? (turns toward him.) 

J. — (Grinning) Shuh, Nancy, I ai'n't thinkin' 'bout Lize, you am 
de gal for me! (stands up and speaks dramatically.) You am de star 
of me night, de sunshine ob my daytime! Nancy ai'n't you never 
gwine to say "yes," and put me out of dis suspensary? I'se been lovin' 
you a mighty long time, 'pears to me. 

N. — ^Dars time enough for me and you Joe, arter de white folks 
gits straight wid their affairs, (looks at him scornfully.) Is you ever 
heard me say I'se gwine to marry you? I disremember ever saying 
anything like dat. 

J. — ^But Nancy, if you ai'n't said so you done make me think so, and you 
can't git out of dat. 

N. — I aint said I wanted to git out of it, is I? Look here, can't 
you do no better'n dat? Mistis gwine to discharge you if you don't 
look out, an' den you won't never see Nancy no more! 

J. — (walking about.) She won't know nothin' »tall 'bout it, if 
you keep your mouth shet, kase who gwine tell her, 'cep 'tis you? 

N. — Yas, and I will tell her, if you can't 'halve yerself. And I 
reckon you had better go on to see Lize Jenkins, if dats de best you 
can talk to me. 



Joe — i(coming towards her.) Shuh, Nance, I'se jes' fooling, I don't 
love nobody but you, and I ain't gwine never talk dat way ergin. 

Nance. — All right den, jes see dat you sticks to it. 'En if you 
is real nice an' good, mebbe I'll tell you before long, what I'll do. (looks 
up.) My gracious land, Joe, hurry up, kase Mistis will think we'se jes 
been fooling de time erway. Here, straighten dat rug, and hurry up. 

•/. — (aside) I don't call dis fooling time erway, do you (to audi- 
ence? (to N. ) All right, Nancy, is you see'd Mis' Belle, dis morning? 

N. — Of kase, I is! She gits up long 'fore Mistis, or you either, 
and goes out in the garden — listen! can't you hear her singing? (Belle 
heard singing, and then enters.) 

Belle — There, that will do Nancy, you and Joe have done real 
well, -(looks at her watch.) It's nearly 10 o'clock, you can go to the 
kitchen now, and I will stay here till Mamma comes, (exit Nancy and 
.Joe with bows.) 

B. — (takes up book) Harry will be here soon (arranges flowers 
she has brought in from garden.) This is for him and these for Mamma 
and these are mine. I wonder if Mr. Graham likes flowers? I reckon 
he is too matter of fact to think about them or 

Enter Harry. 

H. — Good morning Belle, I'm on time, you see. Where is your 
mother? 

B. — Oh, she is out as usual this time of the day. But she will 
be back at a quarter to eleven and you must not stay long 

H. — But I am going to stay 'till she comes, for I must see her to- 
day, can't wait any longer, as I shall leave first of next week. 

B. — Oh, Harry, so soon! What shall I do when you are gone? 
(sobs) 

H. — You forget. Belle, that I am to take you with me. 

B. — But how can I go? Mamma will never consent, and if you leave 
me, she will make me marry that horrid Mr. Graham! 

H. — Listen, Belle, I say I am going to take you, not leave you; 
you just leave everything to me, I'll tell her all about it, and ask her 
consent, and if she refuses, you must meet me Monday night at the 
old oak tree, and we will leave for our home in the far west! 

B. — I — don't — like to do anything like that, Harry, but if there's 
no other way, I will. Maybe Mamma will see how it is if you tell her. 
She never lets me tell her anything. If I try she stops me and says 
something about Mr. Graham. 

H. — I'll tell you a secret. Bell. Mr. Graham is coming here this 
morning, not to ask for you as your mother thinks, but to propose 
to her! Now don't you think she will consent to our wishes? 

B.— Oh, Harry, do you really think that? Oh, how nice that would 
• be. Mr. Graham is real nice, don't you think so? Oh! oh! oh! that will 
be too jolly for anything. 

H. — But wait a moment. Your mother may not accept him, then 
what? 

B. — (more quietly.) I think she will though, else how could she 
be willing for him to have me? She must esteem him very highly. 

H. — Yes, I think she does, and will accept him, if so, you see we 
are all right. Mr. Graham is my best friend, and I don't think he 



would raise my hopes falsely. He told me yesterday that he fully 
expects to be accepted, and that Mrs. Hawthorne would then consent 
to our union. 

B. — I am so glad he did not want me! 

H. — I am too. But look here, aren>t you going to give me a 
flower? 

B. — Why yes, I forgot all about them, (pins flower on his coat.) 
There, how do you like that one? 

H. — ^Very much, (kisses flower) I shall keep this forever. Now, 
lets see, its most time for your mother to be here, twenty to eleven. 
Seems to me time flies awful fast when I am here! 

B. — Yes it does. Oh, what will Mamma say! 

H. — Never mind, whatever she says, Mr. Graham will surely change 
her tune. We have only to bide our time, and all will come out 
right. 

Enter Nancy. 

N. — (bowing) Mis' Belle, Mistis done cum, and say whar is you? 

B. — Tell her I am in the parlor and Mr. Brown is here and wants 

to see her. (exit Nancy with an exclamation of surprise.) 

H. — (aside) Now for it! (aloud) Courage, Bell. I am sure all will 
be well. 

Enter Mrs. H. 

Mrs. H. — (taking off hat and shawl) Good morning Mr. Brown, 
may I inquire what brings you here? 

H. — (Certainly, Mrs. H., and I shall be pleased to tell you. I am 
here to ask your consent for my marriage with your daughter, whom 
I love very deeply, and who has returned that love and joins me in 
asking for that consent! 

Mrs. H. — How dare you sir! You have both deceived me! Oh, my 
daughter, how could you! You have blasted my hopes, ruined my life! 
Oh, to think of it, and you Sir, to encourage her to disobey her 
iaother! You took advantage of my clemency to steal my daughter's 
affections, and make her deceive her mother, oh! this is too much, 
(sobs violently.) 

H. — My dear lady, you wrong me. I have never deceived you. I 
have loved your daughter ever since we were children, and I think 
you have always known it. You have never forbade me to come here, 
and if she loves me, I don't think I won that love underhandedly. Ask 
her 

Mrs. H. — ^Belle, is this true? 

B. — Yes, Mamma, but don't be too hard on Harry. He is not to 
blame and Mamma, I never could marry Mr. Graham. 

Mrs. H. — You will do as your mother says, do you hear? I have 
never been disobeyed before, and I never will be again. As for you, Sir, 
(turning to H.) I will never give you my consent. You may as well 
understand that. Now as I expect another visitor, I will ask you to 
leave us alone. 

H. — 'Mrs. H., that "other visitor" is my best friend, and I will 
stay 'till he comes, and whatever he says, I will abide by. (seats him- 
self) 



Enter Nancy followed by Mr. Graham. 
N. — Marse Graham, Mistis. (seats herself in a corner unobserved) 

Mrs. H. — (controling herself) Good morning, Mr. Graham, I am 
pleased to see you. 

Mr. G. — ^( bowing to all) Good morning, a family gathering, 
(smiles on all) How are you, my dear Mrs. H.? May I speak to you a 
moment? 

Mrs. H. — (goes one side near front of stage, he follows) Certainly, 
Mr. G., here we can talk and not be disturbed. 

Mr. G. — (both seat themselves) You are aware, I suppose, that I 
have been unusually attracted here of late, and that 

Mrs. H. — ^(interrupting) Yes, Mr. Graham, and I have seen that 
you admire Belle very much. If you desire my consent to your mar- 
riage with her, I give it before it is asked. 

Mr. G. — lYou misunderstand me, my dear lady, it is not Belle 
whom I love; It is your own dear self, (takes her hand) May I hope 
to win this fair hand? 

Mrs. H. — (drawing away) I hardly understand you, Mr. Graham. 
This is such a surprise to me, I thought ' — ■ 

Mr. G. — Yes, I know you have thought I cared for Belle, but she 
loves Harry, and never could have loved me. But I have loved you 
ever since we were young, and though you married and went away, and 
stayed for years, I have never forgotten you or ceased to care for 
you. Will you, after all my years of waiting, be my bride? (looks at 
her intently.) 

Mrs. H. — Mr. Graham, I have never dreamed of this, but if you 
care so much, I will, (places her hand in his, and they turn to Belle 
and Harry) Mr. Brown, I have said I never would give my consent, 
but you can now ask Mr. Graham, as Belle's future guardian and father, 
who will decide for us all. 

H. — ^Mr. John, have I your consent to marry your daughter? (leads 
Belle forward) 

Mr. G. — Certainly, Harry, take her and be happy. (Joe has entered 
unseen before this, and he and Nancy have been talking in the back 
ground, and waiting for this chance to speak. They now advance and 
Joe leads Nancy in front of Mr. G.) 

•7. — Marse John, is you de spokesman ob dis meetin'? 

Mr. G. — (Well, I reckon so, Joe. What do you want? (smiles) 

/. — Me and Nancy here, wants to git spliced, and we axes you 
and Mistis to give us yore persent, and we will both work for you as 
long es we do live! 

Mr. G. — So, Nancy, you and Joe are but following our example, 
are you? Well, go on and be happy. I am so happy myself, that I could 
not deny anything asked of me now. 

•J. — Well, Marse John, may I ride yore fine horse sometimes, and 
when me and Nancy goes to de parson's house, kin we have dat fine 
new buggy ob yore's? 

Mr. G. — Yes, Joe, if you will be good and work hard this year for 
us all. 

J. — Thank you kindly, Marse John. But Miss Belle and Marse 
Harry is gwine erway, what we gwine to do den? (whims) 



m 30 1912 



B. — Oh, we will come back again some day, Joe, and then such 
a fine time as we will have all together! 

/. — Well, Miss Belle, I hopes you will come to see us, and dat it 
won't be so orful long fust. Mistis, can me and Nancy sing you all 
a little song for de 'casium? (looks around) Nancy, whar is de banjo? 

N. — (producing it from behind a chair or table) Here' tis, Joe, 
Now what is we gwine to sing? 

•7. — (takes Nancy by the hand, leads her to the front and they 
seat themselves in the center, while Mrs. H. and Mr. G. stand on one 
side and Harry and Belle on the other. Then J. and N. sing something 
suitable, after which they rise.) 

•7. — 'Good night, ladies and gentlemen, thank you for yore kind 
retention. 

End of Act III. 

CURTAIN 




One copy del. to Cat. Div. 



JAN 30 1912 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



017 401 629 n # 



